What Transmission do I need?
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
What Transmission do I need?
I have some transmission problems and decided to pickup a used transmission from a junkyard. Then do the swap myself.
I have a 96 4.0 two wheel drive. It has the O/D button on the shifter. From what I read here and in my Ford CD, I think I have a 4R55E rather than an A4LD. My 94 does not have the O/D button but has an extra shift position for overdrive.
I inquired from one junk yard who had a good price but said it was an A4LD. I said that it should be a 4R55E. His reply was "IF THE 10TH DIGIT OF YOUR VIN # IS A "T" I HAVE THE CORRECT TRANS." So I went out and looked at the Vin Code and the sticker inside the driver's door for the trans code. Here is what I found:
Year VIN Sticker
96 T V
94 R T
Obviously I don't want to buy the wrong thing. So, any help here would be appreciated.
In the back of my mind, I'm also concerned that the used tranny could be bad. As my current transmission is usable, I get a tranny rebuild kit and an instruction book and rebuild the worst of the two. I've never worked on a tranny but some of you make it sound do-able. Just get the book and some special tools.
Basically, I'm considering all my options before I do anything. Since I'm waiting for my income tax refund (due soon) I have some time. So, any ideas or suggestions?
I have a 96 4.0 two wheel drive. It has the O/D button on the shifter. From what I read here and in my Ford CD, I think I have a 4R55E rather than an A4LD. My 94 does not have the O/D button but has an extra shift position for overdrive.
I inquired from one junk yard who had a good price but said it was an A4LD. I said that it should be a 4R55E. His reply was "IF THE 10TH DIGIT OF YOUR VIN # IS A "T" I HAVE THE CORRECT TRANS." So I went out and looked at the Vin Code and the sticker inside the driver's door for the trans code. Here is what I found:
Year VIN Sticker
96 T V
94 R T
Obviously I don't want to buy the wrong thing. So, any help here would be appreciated.
In the back of my mind, I'm also concerned that the used tranny could be bad. As my current transmission is usable, I get a tranny rebuild kit and an instruction book and rebuild the worst of the two. I've never worked on a tranny but some of you make it sound do-able. Just get the book and some special tools.
Basically, I'm considering all my options before I do anything. Since I'm waiting for my income tax refund (due soon) I have some time. So, any ideas or suggestions?
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Hi Tom,
I suggest rebuilding the transmission yourself. The hard part is removing it from the van. Rebuilding it is pretty easy, and you don't really need any special tools.
The only suggestions I have are:
1) Do not remove the pump from the bell-housing. If you do, you'll need a pump alignment tool or you may have to ask a transmission shop to align the pump for you if they have the tool.
2) Do not replace the bearing on the bell-housing. A new bearing will have to be centered and machined, and it's costly to do so.
Fortunately, those two items almost never wear out for late model A4LD, so that should not be a problem.
Good luck.
I suggest rebuilding the transmission yourself. The hard part is removing it from the van. Rebuilding it is pretty easy, and you don't really need any special tools.
The only suggestions I have are:
1) Do not remove the pump from the bell-housing. If you do, you'll need a pump alignment tool or you may have to ask a transmission shop to align the pump for you if they have the tool.
2) Do not replace the bearing on the bell-housing. A new bearing will have to be centered and machined, and it's costly to do so.
Fortunately, those two items almost never wear out for late model A4LD, so that should not be a problem.
Good luck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 2
From: Portland, Oregon
So what does usualy go out, just the bands/torque converter? there isn't syncro's is there?
this may be the case for others too, but the whole planetary gear thing is kind of indimidating to me... especialy with my dad's possibly needing a rebuild....
edit: not meaning to thread jack, i thought it would be a good question for others see answered as well.
this may be the case for others too, but the whole planetary gear thing is kind of indimidating to me... especialy with my dad's possibly needing a rebuild....
edit: not meaning to thread jack, i thought it would be a good question for others see answered as well.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
all 96 4L Aeros use the 4R55E
A4LD and 4R55E similar rebuilds, these links will give you a handle on what you are tackling
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98027
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146953&highlight=4R55E
i would suggest a Transtar rebuilt "VBX" valve body with all the latest modes but you can rebuild your own
minimum is a auto tranny shop tank clean and EPC valve replacement which you can do yourself
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137972&highlight=glacier
troubleshooting
http://www.transmissionspecialty.com/tech-articles/TS6-BW-4R-5R44E-55E.pdf
A4LD and 4R55E similar rebuilds, these links will give you a handle on what you are tackling
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98027
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146953&highlight=4R55E
i would suggest a Transtar rebuilt "VBX" valve body with all the latest modes but you can rebuild your own
minimum is a auto tranny shop tank clean and EPC valve replacement which you can do yourself
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137972&highlight=glacier
troubleshooting
http://www.transmissionspecialty.com/tech-articles/TS6-BW-4R-5R44E-55E.pdf
